On Monday evening, a group of three dozen funders, politicians and preservationists toured some of the finished apartments built inside the former Schmidt Brewery. For many, it was their first time seeing how live/work units were being carved into 123 years of history.

Although it doesn’t expire for two years, real estate pros and historic preservationists are already targeting an extension of the Minnesota historic preservation tax credit during this year’s legislative session.

When Dominium Development and Acquisition closed this month on financing for its $6.2 million Schmidt Brewery acquisition, it was a welcome turnaround. Just five months ago, the Plymouth-based developer’s 5-year-old quest to redevelop the historic site hit a wall.